Leigh Evans Deputy UIC Technical Stream Rules Interpreter Softball Australia 2008 S.D.U meeting Melbourne

Technical Discussion on BBS Certification and how we should handle the interim period. TECHNICAL BULLETIN Available on the Softball Australia web site CHANGES TO ORIGINAL POLICY Supersedes TB Ver /11/07. Subject:Legal and Illegal Bats, New Batted Ball Speed (BBS) Test Certification. TB Version 3.0

Background ISF have been certifying bats since 1st January ISF publish a list of approved bats – essentially a list of bats that are legal and used for ISF competition and events. Initially, the ISF certification process was based on a mathematical bat performance factor (BPF). ISF currently use a high-speed batted ball test (BBS) using the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) test procedure with a limit of 100 MPH/ KPH.

Why were the changes to the first bulletin necessary? As there was confusion in the market with the current published ISF list as to which bats had passed the BBS testing and which bats will drop off the ISF approved list on the 1st of September Softball Australias commitment to sponsors, manufactures, wholesalers and retailers. The delay in ISF releasing the current BBS certification information and approved bat list.

Procedure for Use of Softball Bats a) A bat will be approved for use in Australia if it is listed on the current ISF Certified Bat List. or b) Any bat not listed on the ISF Certified Bat List will be considered approved for use in Australia if it is listed on the ASA Approved Bat List. There will be an interim period where bats that fall outside the BBS certification but complied with the previous BPF 1.2 will be allowed in Australian play until 31/08/2010. After 1/09/2010, a bat will be approved for use in Australian play only if it complies with a) or b) above.

The compliance with this Technical Bulletin rests with all participants of the game not just the umpires, as the practicality of checking bats with separate lists prior to games at all levels is not feasible. It is of utmost importance that Players, coaches, parents, team managers, administrators, State and local associations, understand they play an important role in this requirement. Reference to the following web sites will assist in understanding the procedure and testing process. dards/certified_bats.asp

The new 2005 BBS ISF Certification mark

We still receive s almost weekly regarding which bats are legal and which bats are not. We have also been contacted by various manufactures and wholesalers. We must be prepared in our response to all stake holders. We must explain the impact while not sensationalising the results.

Suggested responses to participants and stakeholders Batted ball speed is the new testing method for bats, taking into account fielder reaction time. Softball Australia has undertaken a transition period to phase out the older bats that previously passed the BPF 1.2 method. All bats that have not passed the BBS test method in 2010 will not be permitted to be used.

Grassroots I.D. Dont send umpires out with lists. Explain/discuss and publish all participants responsibility. A.2005 ISF Logo. B.2004 ASA Logo C.B.P.F. 1.2

Procedure to be used at National competitions 2008/2009. Each step must be read in order. 1.If a bat has the new ISF BBS Certification mark 2005 it will be considered legal (100 mph). (as the test results may take some time to be published on the ISF web site). 2.A bat will be considered legal if it has the ASA 2004 mark (98 mph). 3.In the interim. A bat will be considered legal it displays the B.P.F. 1.2 marking until 2010, even if it is not on the ISF web site. 4.If the bat does not comply with any of the above, the bat should be taken to the UIC to check against the ISF/ASA lists, this should only need doing at the first game of each team. 5.A bat will be considered legal if it is listed on the ISF approved web site once the page is updated (a page will be considered updated if dated after 31/08/08). 6.A bat will be considered legal if listed on the ASA approved web site. 7.A bat that is not listed as approved on either web site and does not have a B.P.F. 1.2 certification mark will not be able to be used at all.